Worth the Wait: The Lady Archers’ Return to the UAAP Hardcourt
In spite of the bittersweet ending to their pre-season campaign in the Pinay Ballers’ League (PBL), the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Archers are more ready than ever to return to the UAAP action.
The Lady Archers, like many other UAAP teams, have been waiting in the wings for two years to get back into the grind since the initial onset of the COVID-19 restrictions. Nevertheless, their time spent away from the game was not time wasted, as they were still able to work on their physical and mental conditioning, as well as their teamwork.
“Yung goal namin is really to go for the crown,” said Joehanna Arciga, the Lady Archers’ returning team captain for Season 85, on the team’s ambitions going into the season. “[We want] to go one game at a time, since the pressure, hindi talaga nasa amin. So, each game we get to fight for the same thing, win games, and eventually meet our main goal — to grow.”
A Pre-season of Promise
The Lady Archers were no strangers to high-stakes moments in the PBL, as they fought their way through the pre-season to earn a twice-to-beat advantage in the Semi-finals. The Green and White went up against a variety of opponents, from other UAAP schools to the titans of women’s basketball in the country today.
The Pre-season games gave spectators a preview of what to expect from the Lady Archers this season; a balanced team with experienced players like Lee Sario, Charmaine Torres, Beatrix Dalisay, and even Arciga, to name a few.
“Actually, [there were] veteran teams, players from Gilas, and the national team there. So, I think for me it’s a good learning experience for us. The PBL experience boosted our self-esteem and humbled us at the same time. It was a great exposure for the team [and] we were able to build the winning culture heading to the UAAP Season.” Arciga remarked.
Another stint that the Lady Archers engaged in was the UAAP Season 84 3x3 Women’s Basketball tournament. The team was captained by veteran Marga Jimenez, with Bettina Binaohan, Briana Espinas, and Angel Quinco alongside. The team’s strategy skills were continuously tested as they got the first taste of what UAAP action, albeit with a half-court and modified scoring.
It is worth noting, though, that the Lady Archers have never halted in their efforts to prepare for their next season. In fact, even when the chances of UAAP women’s basketball returning to what it once was were bleak, the team never lost their patience and optimism, considering how they continued to condition themselves in different ways during the pandemic.
Growing Together while Staying Apart
In many ways, time and circumstances have undoubtedly challenged the team. Considering the uncertainty of the COVID-19 virus, not being able to play their sport, and the inevitable shifting of the lineup, the Lady Archers had to turn to some unique ways to bond and connect with one another.
Longtime head coach Cholo Villanueva urged his players to continue training synchronously together every day except Sunday since they did not want to be unprepared if ever the UAAP announced that it would suddenly resume the tournament. Additionally, to overcome the challenge of distance on the team’s bond with one another, the Lady Archers were encouraged to form groups to play any game that they could together. From Pinoy Henyo to trivia games, the team went head to head in an effort to build the value of teamwork.
On a more lighthearted note, since the Lady Archers were split into two for their competitive team-building games, the losing teams would have to perform a consequence of the winning team’s choice. These consequences, including TikTok videos, vlogs, and funny challenges, can be seen on the Lady Archers’ page.
Furthermore, the team is coming back with a stronger dynamic than ever, as they have proven that they are able to be a team over cellphone and laptop screens, and even more so now, as they will be able to compete in-person again.
Looking Upwards and Onwards
Against all odds, the Lady Archers have fought to be the same team as they always have been at their core, while also integrating the chemistry they gained over the time that they were away from courts and arenas.
“I think [we are] more similar. [But] each one of us knows [like], “‘Okay, this is my role. I need to do this and do that.’” Arciga expounded on how she felt the team grew since 2019.
She also touched on the harmonious dynamic of the newer and the more experienced players coming into the new season. Arciga also acknowledged how the team “depended too much on the rookies” in the past, and elaborated that their edge this season comes from their collective awareness of their own individual contributions.
Even Arciga, who was initially scratched from the lineup going into Season 83 during her supposed last eligible playing year, has grown into her role as the captain for the Taft-based squad. Initially, she was uncertain of the captaincy when it was given to her, but eventually embraced it.
“Feel ko, this season will be super special.” The captain concluded.
The Lady Archers will continue with their signature #ANIMOhana spirit and resilience as their motivating factors going into the upcoming season. With their team hype song, ‘INDUSTRY BABY’ by Lil Nas X pushing them on for all their plays and preparations, they hope to return to carry their winning ways all throughout the year, and hopefully, return bring the crown home to Taft.
Support the DLSU Lady Archers’ Season 85 first round bid LIVE:
October 1, 10 AM — DLSU vs UP at SM Mall of Asia Arena
October 5, 9 AM — DLSU vs UST at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion
October 9, 10 AM — DLSU vs ADMU at Smart Araneta Coliseum
October 12, 9 AM — DLSU vs UE at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion
October 15, 8 AM — DLSU vs FEU at SM Mall of Asia Arena
October 19, 1 PM — DLSU vs NU at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion
October 22, 10 AM — DLSU vs AdU at Ynares Center Antipolo
